Deadline: 29-May-2026
The NSW Contemporary Music Touring and Travel Fund provides financial support to artists, acts, music businesses, and industry professionals based in New South Wales. The fund aims to strengthen the contemporary music sector by enabling touring, professional development, and participation in industry events across Australia and internationally.
The programme is designed to improve mobility, exposure, and career development opportunities for emerging and established music professionals.
Programme Objectives and Focus Areas
The fund supports activities that help music professionals build careers and expand networks, including:
- Domestic music tours across multiple locations
- International touring and performance opportunities
- Attendance at music industry market events
- Professional development workshops and camps
- Mentorships and artist residencies
- Business development opportunities in music
- Industry networking and capacity building
Eligible Expenses
Funding can be used for travel-related and accommodation costs, including:
- Flights (domestic and international)
- Train, bus, and car hire expenses
- Petrol and toll costs
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Accommodation
- Per diems for travel periods
Funding Amount
- Up to AUD 2,500 per person for domestic activities
- Up to AUD 5,000 per person for international activities
- Additional AUD 500 per eligible touring member for regional and remote NSW applicants
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include:
- NSW-based contemporary music artists and acts
- Music industry professionals and businesses
- Applicants acting on behalf of artists or acts
- Individuals or groups aged 18 years and above
Applicants must:
- Have lived in NSW for at least 12 months
- Be actively working or performing in contemporary music
- Hold a valid Australian Business Number (ABN) or use a funds administrator
- Maintain a bank account matching the ABN (if applicable)
Activity Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must meet activity-specific conditions:
- Domestic tours must include at least three performances in three different locations outside the applicant’s home location
- Music market event applications require confirmed invitations to perform
- Professional development travel must include proof of participation or invitation
Ineligible Activities
The programme does not support:
- Artist performance fees
- Rehearsal costs
- Equipment purchases
- Marketing or promotional expenses
- Event tickets or passes
- Activities already funded by NSW Government
- Tours within the applicant’s place of residence
- Non-contemporary music genres including:
Programme Purpose and Impact
The fund strengthens NSW’s contemporary music industry by:
- Increasing touring opportunities for artists
- Supporting career development and professional growth
- Expanding access to national and international music markets
- Encouraging regional participation in the music industry
- Enhancing industry networking and visibility
How the Programme Works
- Eligible artists or representatives apply for funding
- Applications must include confirmed travel or performance plans
- Requests are assessed based on eligibility and relevance
- Approved applicants receive funding for travel-related expenses
- Artists undertake touring or professional development activities
- Outcomes contribute to career and industry development
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without confirmed tour dates or invitations
- Including ineligible genres or music styles
- Requesting funding for non-travel costs
- Not meeting NSW residency requirements
- Submitting incomplete ABN or banking details
- Planning tours with fewer than three performances (domestic requirement)
Tips for a Strong Application
- Provide clear and confirmed travel or performance plans
- Ensure alignment with contemporary music category requirements
- Demonstrate clear career development outcomes
- Include strong evidence of invitations or bookings
- Plan realistic budgets focused only on travel costs
- Highlight regional or international career impact
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the NSW Contemporary Music Touring and Travel Fund?
- It is a funding programme supporting travel and touring for NSW contemporary music artists and professionals
- It focuses on domestic and international mobility in the music sector
- How much funding is available?
- Up to AUD 2,500 per person domestically
- Up to AUD 5,000 per person internationally
- What expenses are covered?
- Travel and accommodation costs such as flights, transport, visas, and lodging
- Who can apply?
- NSW-based artists, acts, and music industry professionals aged 18 and above
- What activities are supported?
- Tours, performances, music events, workshops, and professional development opportunities
- Are rehearsals or equipment purchases covered?
- No, these costs are not eligible
Conclusion
The NSW Contemporary Music Touring and Travel Fund supports the mobility and professional growth of contemporary music artists and industry professionals in New South Wales. By funding travel and touring activities, it enhances access to performance opportunities, industry events, and international markets while strengthening the overall music ecosystem.
For more information, visit Australian Government.